Concealed Carry Delays Cause Frustration

Gun rights advocates say the Kansas attorney general's office is struggling to process a record number of applications for concealed carry permits on time.

Edwardsville resident John Altevogt said Thursday that Attorney General Derek Schmidt's office told him last week it would be lucky to process applications in 120 days. Kansas law says applications must be reviewed in 90 days.

Altevogt applied for a permit in February. On Wednesday, he filed a professional ethics complaint against Schmidt and members of his staff.

Kansas State Rifle Association president Patricia Stoneking said her group has received dozens of complaints in recent weeks.

Schmidt's office received nearly 11,000 concealed-carry applications in January, February and March. He and his spokesman didn't immediately respond to telephone and email messages seeking comment Thursday.

A bill in the Kansas House would require public buildings to be open to people legally carrying concealed weapons, unless the building has adequate security measures.

Under current law, concealed weapons can be barred from public buildings by posting a sign at the door.

Sen. Forrest Knox, an Altoona Republican, spoke in favor of the bill during a committee hearing Monday. He says Kansans with concealed weapons permits should be allowed to carry guns inside public buildings unless the building has enough security to ensure safety.